No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 351 



with more than ordinary care. It is desirable to obtain from such 

 a source all seeds of croi)s in which we specialize. However, it 

 seems to me the gardener should practice the selection of seeds more 

 than he does from his own plantation. Some few seeds such as cauli- 

 flower are best purchased from a reliable source. He cannot produce 

 such seed profitablj. But with such crops as sweet corn, cabbage, 

 onions and tomatoes, etc., there is a vast opportunity for improve- 

 ment. It is right here where the gardener with a little skill and care 

 can raise a peg or two by selecting choice seeds and improving the 

 strain from year to year. He should have his ideal and select upon 

 merit. Close attention along this line will be amply rewarded, and 

 give satisfaction. 



Again to be successful the market gardener must be thoroughly 

 alive to the best methods of selling and distribution. For it is at 

 the market end that skill counts for most in securing maximum 

 profits. And he who is wise in producing and likewise apt in dis- 

 posing of his product Ave will term a successful gardener, for these 

 are two qualities not always found in the same person. To produce 

 is one thing, and to sell another. Many succeed admirably in the 

 ])roduction of vegetables, but fail at the profit end because of in- 

 ability to market. They fail to see the force of appearance and con- 

 dition, and attractive recepticles. Their grading may be defective. 

 First class goods may not be stricth' first class. Size, shape, color 

 and soundness are not properly regarded. Attractive appearance 

 catches the eye and goes a great way in clinching a bargain. Then 

 there is the other fellow who can usually sell to advantage whenever 

 he has anything, but they are often such that like to sit on the fence 

 and not alone watch the crops grow. The vegetable garden is not 

 the place for a world of ease, b}' any means. It is no business for 

 the careless, the lazy or the stupid. Its occupant must be ambitious 

 and not afraid of hard work. He should never know where to place 

 that which he grows, and grow that which he is possible to place. 

 We must cater to the wants of the public, and jet be original enough 

 to create a market where this is possible. Start in moderately to fill 

 a want existing. Try to have your vegetables upon the market a few 

 days before your competitor, keep your goods from the consumer's 

 eyes. Study the market, the demands of certain articles. Educat- 

 ing the peoples' tastes for certain goods is a slow process. Quality 

 may sometimes have to be sacrificed for outside attractiveness. Aim 

 at uniformity of bunch or package, and cleanliness. Endeavor to es- 

 tablish a reputation by inspiring confidence and reliance in all you 

 say and do. Eetailers like to deal with growers whose word is as 

 good as gold. Abide by that trite saying "You see top you see all." 

 My experience has seldom gone so far as the middleman, and yet as 

 dealing directly with the consumer the best policy always is honesty. 

 In gardening as in every vocation in life there are many uncertain- 

 ties, but one of the sure things is that your sins will find you out. 



